Omaha police said most of the cases are preventable. Investigators said most thieves look for a crime of opportunity, targeting cars parked on streets and in parking lots, and victims make it easy for crooks to grab and go.

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Police said whether it's a purse or Christmas presents, anything left in the car is prime for the taking for a thief on the prowl.

"The thieves don't have to work hard at all. They are watching you put those items in or doing it on overnight hours when people lock their cars, and people think it's good inside the vehicle," said Capt. Kathy Belcastro-Gonzalez, of the Omaha Police Department.

Police said car break-ins in the downtown Old Market area have gone up 70 percent from last year. Belcastro-Gonzalez said nothing is safe, and it can happen anywhere.

"Really, there is (no) area (safe). Go through a shopping mall, any street with a lot of vehicles," Belcastro-Gonzalez said.

Police said the parking garage is another place where thieves can get easy access.

Nebraska Magos, who works in Old Market, said she leaves valuable belongings in her car sometimes.

"I just tend to do a quick run, go back in and back into my car, hoping nothing happen in little five-minute period," Magos said.

"(It) only takes a thief two seconds to sneak in and out too," Belcastro-Gonzalez said.